Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Rockwool vs. fiberglass insulation is a widespread debate among homeowners regarding insulating a home and adding soundproofing panels. 703) in it's acoustical properties. It is manufactured from a mix of mineral wool from molten rock and slag, and combined with new glass wool process. Fiberglass insulation is, like mineral wool, made from a similar process of melting down glass and spinning it at very high speeds as they cool. Fiberglass is pliable enough to be worked around difficult spaces, such as around pipes and in crawl spaces, and batts of the stuff could also be easily cut to fit specific sizes and shapes. The higher the density, the better it is. They act as sound barriers installed in cars or appliances as an underlayment. The flame spread index is determined by the distance that a flame travels along a test substrate in a specific timeframe to determine its propensity to burn and how rapidly it can spread flames. 3. Your email address will not be published. In case you are running tight on budget then the cost of the materials becomes an important factor for consideration. First you need to understand the differences between Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment, STC Rating of Fiberglass vs Rockwool (Which one insulates the best), Flame Spread Rating and smoke development of Rockwool vs Fiberglass Insulation, differences between soundproofing and acoustic treatment, nowhere near as good as closed cell spray foam. Owens Corning 703 vs Rockwool. We will be exploring a rockwool and fiberglass insulation in this breakdown to help you find the right insulation for your home. It can be cut into any size or shape and fitted into stud walls or any type of structure. As a rule of thumb, one should always reach out for the item which has a higher R-value since the higher the R number, the higher is its heat-resistance. Since insulators are, by nature, able to resist the flow of heat going through them, they should also have some ability to resist fire. Class A materials, which have a rating of 0-25, do not burn well and are very unlikely to contribute fuel to a fire, which makes them the safest ones. The fiber batts that compose the materials make the installation fairly easy. Because of their various uses and structures, these materials cannot fall under only one category. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'soundproofpeace_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');A variation of acoustic foam. Both materials are eco-friendly. COMFORTBATT R-23 Attic Wall 39.8-sq ft Unfaced Stone Wool Batt Insulation Individual Pack. Its not impermeable to water or vapor, and although it doesnt absorb water like other types of wool, if it gets wet it wont be able to insulate as well as when its dry. One can purchase Rockwool in the form of batts, rolls or blankets which can be directly cut and trimmed according to the size and the dimensions of the wall. Since Rockwool batts are relatively thicker, they showcase a better ability to block sound to and from the room. Consequently, the liquid transforms into elongated strands of fiber. Neither is flammable, and they dont sustain fire or help it spread either. They are flexible, can be refitted and reused, and require little time. I recommend using Roxul in acoustic panels and traps, and use the fiberglass in wall and ceiling cavities where it is fully closed in. Just like penicillin, this man-made material was pretty much discovered by an accident. Fiberglass insulation, or properly named glass wool (fiberglass is actually the one used for boats, etc., which is rigid), is an insulation material made fromfibers of glassarranged into a texture similar towool. Required fields are marked *. Heres a table showing what each STC rating represents: There are multiple factors that go into calculating the STC rating, such as the acoustic medium, mass, sound absorption, and more, of the materials, but I wont go into too much detail about this since it doesnt pertain to the article itself. Easy to apply, they range in colors and patterns and ideal for minimal noise reduction in any room. Fire codes and sustainability have to be included in the process. The fiberglass can have resins added to it for strength and made into different shapes and forms. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-leader-4','ezslot_15',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-leader-4-0');100% organic, made out of natural, raw materials. The STC rating for mineral wool is around 45. 1. Rock wool is also more durable than fiberglass, which degrades quickly. Rock wool can reach prices that are double that of fiberglass. I began with my home office because as a software developer I need a quiet place to work. Noise Cancelling Headphones: Are They Worth it? These products also share similarities, making it challenging to understand which is best to use in the home. DON'T pack insulation too tight. Safe'n'Sound Fire & Soundproof Insulation. In fact, it could be considered fire-blocking since, well, its rock, so when you install it in your home at least you know that it wont help spread a fire. Using additional rodent proofing methods becomes essential for areas like warehouses or basements. Whether in your home, office, or recording studio, preventing sound from causing damage is essential. Neither of these products generates toxic smoke or other harmful substances. Its Negligible, Best Acoustic Panels & How To Install Them Without Damaging The Walls. soundproofexpert.com also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other sites. Fiberglass is less expensive, but Rockwool could lower utility bills. Acoustic foam is beneficial as the best soundproofing insulation because it reduces sound quickly, which comes in and exits the room. If your insulation project does not involve working with irregular shapes and spaces, Rockwool provides superior insulation for longer. A standard R-15 rated Fiberglass insulation for a 4-inch wall will cost around $ 0.50 per square foot. This way we can provide useful information and keep the site up without any costs for the users. This adds . Inhaling rock wool also does not cause long-term health issues other than some mild irritation from inhaling rock dust. Proper soundproofing will determine the quality of your environment. For this type of characteristics of fiberglass and Rockwool, they are more capable of absorbing sound frequency. This means that, in order to reduce it, we need to fill in the air space more between our room and other noise sources. Thankfully, both Rockwool and fiberglass insulation have good resistance to water damage, which can even be improved further if you buy faced insulation, which includes a layer of foil or a paper-like material on the outer layer to serve as a sort of vapor barrier. Fiberglass also does not ignite when exposed to heat, so it is not a catalyst for fires. Finally, the fiber strands are compressed into thick and dense mats cut into panels of rockwool batts. Open-cell foams should (and do) allow sound to penetrate the material, providing absorption. Both rock wool and fiberglass are easy to cut and install. As the name suggests, Fiberglass is made of thin thread-like glass fibers. In terms of health and rock wool vs. fiberglass, neither are particularly harmful to human health. Both fiberglass and stone wool insulation have merit, promote fire protection and sustainability, and offer value to architects, contractors, and property owners alike. I will also be going over their STC rating, Flame Spread index, because you always have to consider if what youre putting into your home can be flammable or not, their overall installation costs, if you can do it yourself or if you need to hire someone, and much more. When you decide to soundproof a room inside your home or office, you need to pay attention to a few aspects.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'soundproofpeace_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Whether you choose rockwool or fiberglass to do the job, it needs to do more than block the sound. Sound moves through the air. As the name suggests, mineral wool is made from a naturally occurring volcanic rock basalt. The STC Rating refers to the amount of noise that is being reduced in decibels; One point increase in the STC rating represents a 1dB noise reduction. However, is there one that outperforms the other? Sound Absorption, on the other hand,relies on materials that are good at absorbing sound, such as acoustic panels, acoustic blankets, etc. However, foam is more of a "sound blocker" than a "sound absorber" which means that different sound . If you're talking about the fluffy pink stuff, when you say fiberglass, then yes; The rockwool would be better. Install rockwool in the gap in the wall, making sure the edges of the slab conform snugly to the perimeter of the framing. Made out of a dense rubber material (Mass Loaded Vinyl). Why Invest in Rockwool Insulation Insulation is not the most expensive thing when it comes to construction, but it plays a vital role in making sure that the inside is of high quality. Thats how an accident led to an essential discovery, which eventually became an option for insulating materials. You can get fiberglass in sheets, mats, panels, or custom-made. Rockwool is made of mineral wool and is better at absorbing low frequency sound ranges while fiberglass contains small particles of glass and suited for most soundproofing jobs. Soundproofanything.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon.com. What will it be? If you plan to add thermic insulation to your room as well, consider this: Fiberglass has an R-value of 2.2 2.7 per inch, while rockwool has an index of 3.0 3.3 per inch. Regular insulation is usually made from cellulose, fiberglass, or rockwool, while acoustic insulation will include MLV. Fiberglass attracts mold, which can be a disease source, whereas rock wool repels mold growth. When a room is framed and ready to insulate, affix your chosen paneling to one side of the frame. has a long lifespan. Fiberglass 4 Best Insulation for Soundproofing Ceiling 4.1 1. Here are some of the applications for this versatile material: Fiberglass can offer valuable support in terms of safety, protection, isolation, or waste reduction. Cork is good for soundproofing due to its physical properties. If youre tired of noise coming into your home from outside or from one room to another, then you should increase the density of your walls. The market provides us with many options for our sound reducing needs. That being said, it is more expensive and you can achieve the same sound deadening by increasing the amount of fiberglass.provided you have the room. Rock wool weighs more than fiberglass and is stiffer than fiberglass. R-38 Attic 48-sq ft Kraft Faced Fiberglass Batt Insulation Individual Pack. 30: Why You Need a Home Inspection and What to Expect. I update the content regularly to keep up with advancements in the soundproofing industry. Rockwool is hydrophobic. ), but its also extremely affordable and you can install it yourself since its not toxic, wont harm your skin like spray foam or fiberglass, and its not flammable. It can retain water or let it escape, depending on your needs. Made out of natural minerals and is eco-friendly. Rockwool vs Fiberglass. In addition to this, its not really flammable and has a Flame Spread index of 25 (similar to rockwool), which is why I always recommend it over something like spray foam since that one is much more flammable and, therefore, more dangerous. Owens Corning R-19 Faced Fiberglass Roll 4.2 2. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'soundproofpeace_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-banner-1-0');In the end, you need to compare the cost and efficiency ratio and decide on your investment. Both materials can be covered with a dense fabric and attached on a wall or a door with hanging strips or glue to function as soundproofing panels. Once fiberglass has been installed it will last for the life of your home (between 80 and 100 years), that is, if it has been installed properly. Further, if you buy a 3-inch thick batt do not forget to multiply the R-value with the thickness. soundproofexpert.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When it comes to adding a layer of soundproofing behind the drywall, it's tough to beat Rockwool's Soundproofing Fire Resistant Wool Insulation. It is cheaper and more efficient, as it can block lower sounds as well. Mineral wool batts come in the same widths as fiberglass and fit snugly between exposed joists. When put inside a typical interior wall with of drywall on either side, which has an STC rating of 34 on its own, adding rockwool insulation will increase that STC rating to 45, which is much higher than any of the alternatives out there (spray foam and fiberglass have a rating of 39). Simple math will suggest that a job of insulating 625 square feet with Fiberglass will cost $312 in contrast to $388 for Rockwool. While some products are designed with acoustics in mind - such as Owens Corning QuietZone and Rockwool Safe'n'Sound - no insulation can completely . Fiberglass has a longer history than its opponent with application in numerous industries. Inhaling microscopic fiberglass fibers can cause eye irritation, coughing, a sore throat and nose, and stomach irritation if swallowed. You dont need any stapling and can cut it to size for any type of structure. One can expect a reduction in transmission of sound waves of up to 4 decibels, meaning that you wont be able to hear any conversation happening outside the room at a normal level and vice versa. Both are good but you want the heavier Roxul for sound insulation and the lighter puffy fiberglass for heat insulation. Flammable or Not For home insulation, there are some things you would want to take into considerationspecifically that of insect, mold, and mildew resistance. Is Fiberglass good for soundproofing? It's better at lower frequencies, which are often a bigger problem in homes. When put inside a typical interior wall with of drywall on either side, which has an STC rating of 34 on its own, adding fiberglass insulation will increase that STC rating to 39, which is identical to the insulation provided by open cell spray foam but lower than rockwool. About 70%, of Rockwool is made from recycled material, making it a more eco-friendly product than Fiberglass. The compressed fiber-strands are made out into batts, rolls or blankets of different dimensions. Acoustic foam panels are designed for surface-application only. They act as decorative sound-absorbing accessories. Fiberglass is made out of fine strands of woven glass that come in rolls or blankets of material. You can learn more about the differences between soundproofing and acoustic treatment here. It has improved sound damping and absorption properties. Subscribe & Get Exclusive Home Improvement Guides. Just ensure that you wear proper safety gear like a mask, eye-wear, and gloves to avoid any kind of irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory system. While you will find many arguments both pro and con regarding mineral wool vs. fiberglass for sound deadening, I can tell you that no high frequence sound is getting out of my HT, and very little bass escapes. When it comes to insulating products, their warranty is usually treated like that of any other productmost manufacturers will have a 1- to 3-year warranty against production defects on their insulation batts. Plus, its safer for your health overall. Lets the moisture circulate. Rock wool effectively quells the vibrations that emanate from airports, trains, music studios, and other sources. Also read: Is Rockwool Good for Acoustic Treatment? His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Moreover, it has been established that R-value tends to decrease for Fiberglass over time while it does not deteriorate throughout the life of the Rockwool. Even though Fiberglass does not harm the environment as Rockwool, it can still be as hazardous as the latter. Relatively thinner Fiberglass material can hold fire up to 1100 F only. Rockwool is better for soundproofing and thermal insulation because of higher density and weight. Can concrete be the right sound insulator for your house? How Do You Insulate A Hollow Interior Door? When choosing R-values, a greater R-value is crucial if you want to reduce your utility costs by better controlling the flow of heat in your home. The main difference between rockwool and fiberglass for sound absorption is down to the frequency of noise they absorb. Shop the Collection. Model # RXCB3523. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It doesnt change size or shape under different temperatures. In any case, unlike Rockwool, JM actually gives the R-Value for their sound-deadening batts of 3.7 per inch. Depending on the structure of your walls, both fiberglass and rock wool can be adapted to fit in.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',135,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-135{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Another side benefit: fiberglass and rock wool are fire resistant and do not give off deadly fumes when heated. Given a benchmark thickness of 3.5 inches, a batt of Rockwool achieves an R-15 insulation value while fiberglass achieves an R-13 value, giving Rockwool about 15% better insulating ability over fiberglass at the same thickness. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'soundproofpeace_com-box-4','ezslot_1',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-box-4-0');The temperature at installation is not relevant. Rockwool insulation product that prevents buildings from moisture. The next step in the process is mixing the liquified basalt with slag, a by-product of the steel manufacturing process. Is one of the most versatile materials. How to Make Ridge Cap Shingles from Architectural Shingles And Should You? The main difference is that Rockwool has a much higher heat resistance and fire resistance than fiberglass. One way to understand rock wool vs. fiberglass is to compare the similarities and differences between these products. Out of the many things on the market you can buy and install to restore an older home or upgrade a younger one, insulation is the one that arguably offers the most benefits. Rockwool and fiberglass are two of the most popular insulation materials for a reasonwhen you take everything weve considered from a birds eye view, we find that neither is completely better than the other. Rockwool is much more expensive, about twice as much as Fiberglass, which is why Fiberglass is the go-to material used to fill a wall or a ceiling when soundproofing. Fiberglass is available in both batts and loose fills which make it relatively easy to cover any small areas and do not require a whole blanket. Rockwool cost is $0.80/sq ft and 3.5 thickness, compared to Thinsulate's approximately $2.38/sq ft and 1.75 thickness. Now lets see how fiberglass and rockwool do as far as soundproofing goes: Also known as mineral wool, rockwool is literally what the word implies: Rock fibers (volcanic rock and slag) which are spun and then given a specific shape (batt, pipe and board forms). This product is available in the same form as fiberglass. It boasts a higher R-Value per inch than fiberglass- precisely- 22-37% improved R-Value. However, its worth noting that you will need to cover those panels with a very thick cloth since fiberglass can release tiny particles which you may breathe in and that can be bad for your health (which is why I generally recommend rockwool for acoustic panels). Gathering info from various retailers and contractors, you can expect to pay about $0.50 to $0.60 to install one square foot of fiberglass, while Rockwool costs about $0.60 to $0.75 per square foota cost difference of up to 25% per square foot. As you can see, from a purely acoustic insulation standpoint, rockwool outperforms both spray foam and fiberglass by quite a lot. When your walls are properly insulated with stone wool, you will reduce airborne noises . Fiberglass insulation has a density of about 0.5 to 1.0 pounds per cubic foot, allowing it to reduce sound by 4 to 10 decibels. Rockwool is the name of a Danish manufacturer of insulating products made of mineral wool, which is the generic term for this type of product. Does it break down over time? In addition, the sound insulation helps boost . This fiber-reinforced plastic type of material is also highly versatile, and many industries use this sound-deadening material for many reasons. The one-inch variant has a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.70 while the two-inch variant has an NRC of 1.05. Rockwool on its own is not good for soundproofing since its designed to absorb and dampen sound instead of blocking it, but it works extremely well when used in conjunction with drywall or when put inside of a wall, lowering the noise that is allowed through that wall by an average of 45dB. Manufacturers use natural materials to create rock wool and fiberglass, which both have a built-in resistance to fire. Given a benchmark thickness of 3.5 inches, a batt of Rockwool achieves an R-15 insulation value while fiberglass achieves an R-13 value, giving Rockwool about 15% better insulating ability over fiberglass at the same thickness. Thanks to its durability, safety profile, and good thermal properties, fiberglass is going into a wide range of industries and products. To do this you will need to use materials that are designed to not let sound through, like drywall.